A2 CofC UK Drone Regulations & Legislation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under UK open category rules, what is the default minimum horizontal distance a drone must maintain from uninvolved persons in subcategory A3?
- 150 m (Correct answer)
- 50 m
- 30 m
- 500 m
Correct answer: 150 m
In subcategory A3, drones must be flown at least 150 m horizontally from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. This large buffer is required because A3 covers heavier or non-class-marked drones with higher risk.
Question 2: Which document must a UK drone operator complete before conducting a commercial flight in the specific category?
- Operational Authorisation (OA) or PDRA (Correct answer)
- A2 CofC certificate only
- A valid pilot medical certificate
- An Aerodrome Operating Minima (AOM) form
Correct answer: Operational Authorisation (OA) or PDRA
Operations in the specific category require either a CAA-issued Operational Authorisation (OA) or adherence to a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA) where applicable. These documents set out the specific conditions under which flight is permitted.
Question 3: What is the legal maximum altitude for drone flight in the UK open category?
- 120 m above ground level (AGL) (Correct answer)
- 400 ft above mean sea level (AMSL)
- 500 m AGL
- 150 m AGL
Correct answer: 120 m above ground level (AGL)
The open category maximum altitude is 120 m (approximately 400 ft) above the closest point of the surface. This limit applies unless an extended altitude is permitted in certain geographic zones or by specific authorisation.
Question 4: A drone operator flying a 350 g drone wishes to fly in open category subcategory A1. What minimum qualification do they need?
- Completion of the online A1/A3 theory test with a registered NQE (Correct answer)
- No qualification — sub-500 g drones need no qualification
- Full A2 CofC
- Specific category operational authorisation
Correct answer: Completion of the online A1/A3 theory test with a registered NQE
To fly a drone between 250 g and 900 g in subcategory A1, the pilot must have passed the online A1/A3 drone theory test through a CAA-registered NQE and be registered with the CAA as an operator.
Question 5: When must a UK drone operator register with the Civil Aviation Authority?
- When operating a drone 250 g or over, or any drone with a camera (Correct answer)
- Only when flying commercially
- Only when flying in controlled airspace
- When the drone exceeds 1 kg MTOM
Correct answer: When operating a drone 250 g or over, or any drone with a camera
CAA operator registration is required if you fly a drone that weighs 250 g or more, or any drone (regardless of weight) that is equipped with a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data. Registration applies to operators, not just pilots.
Question 6: What is the correct term for the unique identifier that must be displayed or broadcast by registered drones in the UK?
- Operator ID (Correct answer)
- CAA Registration Number
- Flight Reference Code
- UAS Serial Number
Correct answer: Operator ID
Registered drone operators receive an Operator ID, which must be displayed on all their drones. Certain newer drones are also required to broadcast their ID via Remote ID (electronic conspicuity). The Operator ID links the drone to its registered operator.
A2 CofC UK Drone Regulations & Legislation 2
Under UK open category rules, what is the default minimum horizontal distance a drone must maintain from uninvolved persons in subcategory A3?